Tuesday, 7th February, 2012


Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has explained his decision to sign a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the Giallorossi, ending months of speculation over his future.

De Rossi’s previous deal was due to expire in the summer and the 28-year-old had no shortage of suitors.

It took time for Roma to produce an agreement which the player, who has become a club icon, was happy to sign – but the Giallorossi were always confident that De Rossi would stay.

"What convinced me to sign is what has kept me at Roma for all these years, what helps me to do my job here with a lot of passion – which is the team, the city and its people", said the midfielder to the assembled press.

"I realised that all I’ve ever needed is here.

"From a motivation point of view, very little has changed since I signed my first contract years ago. Of course, there have been a lot of ups and downs over the years, but that is normal.

"But with time I understood that I need Roma in order that I can play football in a certain way, a way that I like."

De Rossi did admit however that he had considered quitting the club, although after careful consideration concluded that he was better off remaining where he is.

"I won’t hide the fact that over the years I’ve considered others. I spoke to various people, both formally and informally.

"But in the end I chose the one I knew I wanted – the one that made me happy."

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